Although ecological processes underpin the health of our natural environment and are crucial to human wellbeing very little is known about them.

Essential “ecosystem services” ecological processes provide include the pollination of our crops, pest and disease control, clean air and water, soil formation and the mitigation of environmental hazards such as erosion and flooding.

However, despite their importance to the health of both humans and the natural environment we rarely place a value on ecological processes, often taking them for granted until they break down.

‘Ecological processes in Victoria: Policy priorities for sustaining biodiversity’ is a discussion paper that attempts to shine a light on ecological processes, looking at what they are, why they are important, and how we can incorporate their management into conservation strategies.

Commissioned by the Victoria Naturally Alliance the discussion paper warns that conservation measures are likely to fail unless the management of ecological processes such as water flows and the movement of animals and seeds are included in future conservation strategies.

 Download discussion paper - PDF (2.7 mB)